§ 53-0103 — General functions of the department

§ 53-0103. General functions of the department.\n The department may:\n 1. Act in an advisory capacity to state agencies in matters relating\nto neighborhood improvement and to advise such agencies in regard to\ndeveloping organized tree and other planting programs to promote urban\nneighborhood improvement and to enhance and conserve existing tree and\ngreen space resources particularly where state action results in a\nsubstantial destruction of trees or related vegetation.\n 2. Advise, encourage and assist local governments in the development\nand coordination of policies, programs and activities, and in the full\nutilization of powers vested in local governments by the constitution\nand laws of the state, to organize such tree and other planting\nprograms, to promote urban neighborhood improvement and to promote tree\nand green space protection and maintenance.\n 3. Act as a clearinghouse for information on urban neighborhood\nimprovement programs and organized tree and other planting programs in\naccordance with this article.\n 4. Prepare and circulate model ordinances, relating to trees,\nappropriate to be used in implementation of section ninety-six-b of the\ngeneral municipal law or other applicable municipal authority, including\nbut not limited to ordinances or local laws for designation by\nmunicipalities of historic or specimen trees, stands and groves, or\nold-growth forests, and to provide for the recognition and protection\nthereof.\n 5. Take such other steps as are necessary to carry out the purpose of\nthis article, including the appointment of advisory committees, boards\nand task forces.\n